There are moments when Velvet Goldmine threatens to collapse under the weight of writer/director Todd Haynes' (Poison, Safe) ambition. But, sometimes amazingly, it doesn't, becoming in the process one of the year's freshest, most exciting films.

Brilliantly reimagines the glam-rock 70's as a brave new world of electrifying theatricality and sexual possibility, to the point where identifying precise figures in this neo-psychedelic landscape is almost beside the point.

Conceptual to a fault, writer-director Todd Haynes (Poison, Safe) realizes one of his oldest and most cherished projects -- a celebration of the glam-rock era and the bisexuality it turned into an opulent circus -- with wit, glitter, and energy, but with such a scant sense of character or period that it leaves one feeling relatively empty as soon as it's over.

In trying to compose a poetic love letter to a time of liberation and freedom, Haynes has merely conjured up memories of druggy excess, egotism and tight trousers. The only mementos worth saving from the experience are available on the soundtrack.

Velvet Goldmine is a mostly interesting glide through the times of glam-rock culture. Certain characters are obviously thinly veiled versionsVelvet Goldmine is a mostly interesting glide through the times of glam-rock culture. Certain characters are obviously thinly veiled versions of real life artists such as David Bowie and Iggy Pop. Velvet Goldmine has a good soundtrack (obviously), some eye popping visuals and a chance to catch Christian Bale before mega fame. That said, it does lose traction during it's final third.…Full Review »

It's quite something to behold. Fantastic cast, and an interesting interpretation of the world of Ziggy Stardust. Do not expect a plot that isIt's quite something to behold. Fantastic cast, and an interesting interpretation of the world of Ziggy Stardust. Do not expect a plot that is easy-to-follow and clear-cut - because you won't really find it here.
Walk into this storm of glam-infused psychedelia with an open (and 'artsy') mind and you should end up quite satisfied.
Certain aspects of the plot and the mythology surrounding these glam-icons may remain frustratingly elusive, but in the end it's all part of the film's method.…Full Review »